We fondly remember Odile Richardson Gayten a caring and loving woman who loved to help others.

Gayten was born in Pearlington, Mississippi, the youngest of three girls to Alice and Zedo Richardson. At a very early age, she learned the importance of putting God first in her life. Gayten also learned the importance of an education and set it high on her list.

She attended grade school in Pearlington, and later completed high school in New Orleans. After graduation, Gayten attended Xavier University and received her Bachelor of Arts Degree. She would later attend the University of Southern California, where she received her Masters Degree. Gayten also earned a Doctorate in Naturopathy, the Science of Natural Healing from Clayton School of Natural Healing.

After Xavier, Gayten found a job teaching Home Economics in a school in South Carolina earning $25.00 a month. Longing for home, she eventually moved back to New Orleans and a new job. It’s back at home where she met a handsome musician named Paul Gayten. They eventually married and moved to Los Angeles to promote his musical career. Her husband was well known in the music industry having a platinum record; several gold records and even conducted the Paul Gayten Orchestra.

Gayten spent most of her professional years as a high school teacher and counselor. During her career, she taught on the elementary level, and as a trainer and Reading Specialist for many years. She eventually retired from the Los Angeles Unified School District.

In the 1970’s, Gayten flexed her entrepreneurial skills and purchased as well as operated her own Amway business. It was here that her love for helping others shined through. In her second career, Gayten was a leader, mentor, coach and model, which introduced many individuals to network marketing. In 2010, she celebrated 40 years as a successful businesswoman.

In the early 1990’s, she put her doctorate to use and began teaching others about healthier lifestyles. She expanded her business in order to put more emphasis on food supplements to maintain good health.

Gayten was also very active in her spiritual life as well. She was a member of Holman Methodist Church since 1959; serving faithfully for over 52 years. At Holman, she served as a Sunday school teacher, counselor, and as Sunday School Superintendent. Gayten taught the Holman Discipleship Week for many years and served as Director of Holman Vacation Bible School, Chairperson for Holman’s Ministries, Chairperson for Holman’s Children’s International Festival and Adult Ministries among many other positions and duties.

Odile Richardson Gayten was called home on May 23, 2011. She will be greatly missed but fondly remembered in cherished memories. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Paul, and sister Evelyn Williams. Odile is survived by her sister Clara Brown from Washington D.C.; nieces LaVerne Hackett (Joe), Glenda Hudson (Henry), Alicia Bell (Bob), Grand niece, Sharquenta Robinson-Bean (Derrick); Great Grandnephews Hunter Bean, Craig Hackett; and Great Grandnieces Sophia Hudson, Ladette Madison,

Griselda Henderson, Zoie Bean and a host of other relatives and friends.